Stalker wanted in Escondido arrested in Va.

ESCONDIDO  A convicted stalker wanted by Escondido police on a probation violation after he threatened his victim has been arrested in Richmond, Va.

Court records show Martin Dale Rouse, 41, is in custody in Richmond on suspicion of breaking and entering, trespassing, obstruction of justice and public swearing or intoxication. He was arrested May 15. Rouse’s next Richmond court appearance is scheduled for June 23.

An arrest warrant was issued March 9 in San Diego County charging Rouse with stalking while a court order was in effect and making a criminal threat, both felonies, and four counts of cruelty to a child, said District Attorney’s Office spokesman Steve Walker.

After Rouse was arrested in Virginia, authorities discovered he was wanted in California, and they notified Escondido police, Escondido police Lt. Chris Wynn said Tuesday.

Officials here have not yet determined extradition plans.

Rouse was convicted of felony stalking, felony evading arrest and driving under the influence in February 2010. He cut off a GPS tracking device, which he was required to wear as a condition of his probation, while in the area of his victim’s Escondido home Feb. 24. On Feb. 26, he went to the victim’s house and threatened to kill the woman, police said.